Hill Readers Book 5
What’s inside...
Book 5: Hill Reader Book 5 (Grade 2) expands the emphasis on consonant blends and digraphs from two letter blends to three letter blends in one-syllable short vowel words CCVC and CCCVC words (strand). Book 5 contains 21 chapters, 57 stories, and 323 comprehension questions. Hill Readers are a series of 13 phonetically controlled, decodable texts that are designed to complement the Hill Reading Achievement Program (HillRAP); they can be used independently or to supplement any Orton-Gillingham influenced reading program. The Hill Readers are aligned with the HillRAP word attack phonics sequence, and each text (Grades K-4) focuses on specific phonetic patterns with high frequency words introduced at the beginning of each story. Comprehension questions, based on the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (2001), are included. Hill Readers give emerging readers the opportunity to apply learned phonics skills, and transition to a focus on comprehension.
Why read this book
- Enhances vocabulary through structured phonics instruction.
- Fosters reading fluency and comprehension skills.
- Supports independent reading with engaging narratives.
- Aligned with child developmental stages for effective learning.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think the main character felt when they faced a challenge? Have you ever felt the same way?
What did the characters learn by the end of the book? What did you learn from them?
If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and how would the story change?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters helped each other in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to build confidence.
Relate the book's themes to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's remarks to encourage critical thinking and exploration of ideas.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging: change your tone of voice for different characters and highlight exciting moments.
After discussing the book, engage in an activity related to its themes, such as drawing a picture of a favorite scene or reenacting a part of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: Hill Readers Book 5 introduces various scenarios where characters face challenges that require critical thinking and decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills to solve their own problems, whether it’s figuring out how to share toys or completing a difficult school assignment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The stories in Book 5 are crafted to evoke emotions and understanding towards others, displaying how characters empathize with their friends' feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to recognize and consider other people's emotions in school or during play, enhancing their social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter setbacks but continue trying to reach their goals, demonstrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children not to give up easily, whether it is working towards improving their grades, learning a new sport, or mastering a musical instrument.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Many stories in the book involve characters working together to solve problems or complete tasks, emphasizing cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work collaboratively in group settings like classroom projects or team sports, understanding that combined efforts can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are tasked with responsibilities that they must fulfill, teaching the importance of being dependable and accountable.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the significance of fulfilling tasks they are assigned, such as homework or household chores, cultivating a sense of responsibility.